Monday, March 1, 2010

National Level Figure Competitor - Lisa Peper


I began working with Noel in 2009 to prepare for my second national-level figure competition. I was looking for someone I could trust to hold me accountable and dial me in for the show. Little did I know just how much I was going to depend on Noel!

My competition prep was a tough one. My body did not want to respond as it had in the past, and I was working much harder than I had before. Noel was a constant support throughout it all, adapting to meet my needs, adjusting when things weren’t quite working and most importantly, keeping my head in the game. When I would get discouraged, she was right there, helping me to look at the positive, focus on what I needed to do and grit my teeth and make it through. Despite all my doubts, she never doubted me. And together, we made my goal a reality.

Noel also pushed me to get additional blood work done when my annual work physical showed my thyroid hormones to be out of the normal range. Had she not encouraged me to get the full battery of tests done, I most likely would have written it off as a fluke. Instead, I was able to have my hypothyroidism diagnosed and seek appropriate treatment. And it certainly helped explain why my competition training was so difficult!

Noel certainly has the knowledge and experience to provide clients with top-notch fitness training and nutritional guidance. What distinguishes Noel from most other trainers is her ability to counsel and work with clients regarding the psychological aspects that go along with weight loss. It’s easy for trainers to say “suck it up” and just follow the plan, but Noel understands that life is dynamic, and that each individual is dealing with a different set of personal circumstances and emotional issues. She listens to her client’s needs, shows genuine concern, and tries to find solutions. Noel doesn’t make you feel embarrassed for your failures; she helps you learn from where you’ve gone wrong in the past and guides you to where you need to be, both mentally and physically. She is certainly a rare find in the training world, and I would recommend her to anyone.

Noel - I am deeply appreciative for all the guidance and support you have given me. As I have said so many times before - you’re the best!